Irish consent advert withdrawn after backlash over grandparents’ hugs
A government-funded Irish consent advert suggesting grandparents ask before hugging grandchildren was removed after sparking widespread criticism. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said it was inappropriate, demeaned grandparents and did not help explain consent in sexual relationships.
The video showed a girl looking uncomfortable as her grandparents moved to hug and kiss her, while her brother welcomed them. The campaign was funded through Cuan, Ireland’s agency addressing domestic, sexual and gender-based violence; two other campaign videos were also taken down. The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre said the scenarios reflected feedback from more than 20 workshops with younger and older people.
In short
- Irish consent advert about hugging grandchildren was withdrawn.
- The Justice Minister criticised it as demeaning and counterproductive.
- The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre said it reflected workshop feedback.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters could argue that asking before hugging teaches children that they have a right to set boundaries over their bodies, even in affectionate family settings. They may see everyday examples as a useful way to make consent understandable and to encourage respectful habits that also matter in more serious contexts.
The case against
Critics could argue that depicting grandparents’ affection as unwelcome risks portraying ordinary family warmth as suspect and may confuse consent in everyday interactions with consent in sexual relationships. They may also contend that the video’s framing was poorly judged and undermined a serious campaign, especially when the minister said it demeaned grandparents and failed to explain its intended message.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Grandparents should ask for consent to hug their grandchildren, Irish advert says”.